AARP Eye Center
AARP is helping to make communities more livable for people of all ages. Minnesota’s population is rapidly aging, with our 65+ population now larger than our school-age population. AARP Livable Communities supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and rural areas to be great places for people of all ages. We believe that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; age-friendly housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life.
Discover where and how communities across Minnesota have become more livable and age-friendly so people of all ages can thrive and learn more about joining the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities.
Discover where and how communities across Minnesota have become more livable and age-friendly so people of all ages can thrive and learn more about joining the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities.
AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities
The state of Minnesota and a growing number of communities in the state are members of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, which helps local leaders meet the needs of their community's older adults and respond to the rapid aging of the U.S. population. The common thread among the enrolled members is the belief that the places where we live are more livable and better able to support people of all ages when local leaders commit to improving the quality of life for the very young, the very old, and everyone in between. The work that happens within the network — which is a program within the larger AARP Livable Communities initiative — is hands-on and locally determined and directed.
Learn more about member states, counties, cities, towns and universities below. Enrollment is a commitment by local leaders and residents to engage in a five-year cycle to assess their current state, develop an informed plan, and implement improvements creating better places to live for people of all ages. Each community is in a different stage in the process, and new communities are joining the Network regularly.
AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities
Member States & Territories
Member Counties
Member Cities & Towns
Member Universities
AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities in Minnesota
Minnesota | Joined 2022
AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities in Minnesota
Cook County | Joined 2024
Fillmore County | Joined 2023
Freeborn County | Joined 2023
Hennepin County | Joined 2019
Lake County | Joined 2021
Olmsted County | Joined 2020
AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities in Minnesota
Alexandria | Joined 2016
Balkan Township | Joined 2024
Bird Island | Joined 2023
Brainerd | Joined 2024
Brooklyn Park | Joined 2020
Chisholm| Joined 2025
Duluth | Joined 2021
Lynd | Joined 2023
Maple Grove | Joined 2016
Minneapolis | Joined 2015
Northfield | Joined 2016
North Mankato | Joined 2024
Oakdale | Joined 2021
Oronoco | Joined 2022
Pine Island | Joined 2022
Princeton | Joined 2020
St. Cloud | Joined 2020
Virginia | Joined 2024
Wabasha | Joined 2023
West St. Paul | Joined 2022
Willmar | Joined 2023
Wyoming | Joined 2021
The Age-Friendly University (AFU) network consists of institutions of higher education around the globe that have endorsed the 10 AFU principles and have committed to becoming more Age-Friendly in their programs and policies.
St. Cloud State University | Joined 2022
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities | Joined 2022
QUESTIONS: Contact Jay Haapala at jhaapala@aarp.org.
Shaping Transportation
AARP is pleased to sponsor two exciting events aimed at creating livable communities through better transportation options. Connect with experts and advocates, and discover how accessible transportation and e-bikes can transform our neighborhoods.
E-Bike Policy Summit with BikeMN
When Driving is Not an Option with Anna Zivarts
E-Bike Policy Summit with BikeMN
When Driving is Not an Option with Anna Zivarts
Launched in 2017, the annual AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to local governments and nonprofits in order to fund quick-action, ready-to-implement projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages. Funded efforts aim to foster community engagement, enhance local housing and transportation options, improve public spaces and support ("smart cities") solutions.
Meet the 2024 Community Challenge Grant awardees.
Meet the 2024 Community Challenge Grant awardees.
Contact AARP Minnesota
Contact information and more from your state office. Learn what we are doing to champion social change and help you live your best life.